Pekin senior Lilian Buie

Lilian Buie is in the spotlight this week. She is the daughter of Rebecca Clemens and Dan Buie. Her siblings are Vivian and Simeon Buie.

In school, Lilian was involved in Football, Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, FFA, 4-H, FCCLA, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, Senior Rising Ruritans, National Honor Society, Choir, Band, Winter Drum Line, Jazz Band, Theater, Speech, Iron Chef Team, and Livestock Judging. Lilian also worked as a Production Assistant at Sky Factory Inc. and a Farm Operations Manager at Buie Show Goats.

What's your favorite school memory/OR what will you remember the most? My favorite high school memories are winning Iron Chef in the fall of 2022, spending hours in the parking lot talking with my friends, and Ms. Carlson almost getting us stuck in the parking lot of McDonald’s on our way to Honor Choir.

If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be? I honestly wouldn't change anything about my high school experience. I am not saying I did everything perfectly, however everything that I went through shaped me into the person I am today. I am growing to love that person more and more each day.

Finish this sentence: "I could not live without..." My family.

What's the best and/or worst thing about being a senior? The best thing about being a senior is the excitement of what is to come. There is no certainty to what will come next however it is always fun to dream.

Which teacher or staff member has had the biggest impact on you and why? My most influential teacher has been Mr. Jones. Though he only came to Pekin my junior year he has made the greatest impact on who I am and my future. Through his support I was able to make it to State FFA with my Public Speaking event. I was also able to get 9th overall individual at State FFA Livestock Judging. I am so lucky that he decided to return to his alma mater when he did. Also a special shoutout to Ms. Goudy and Ms. Carlson.

Advice to incoming high school freshmen: My advice to incoming freshman is to become as involved as you can. Pekin may be a small school; however it has a lot to offer with a variety of sports, clubs, and fine arts. Take advantage of these opportunities and have fun.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend Northern Oklahoma College to participate on their Livestock Judging Team. After my first two years I will transfer to Kansas State University to continue on their Livestock Judging Team. After finishing my 4-year degree I will attend Iowa State University to work towards my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

What is one outrageous thing you want to try in your lifetime? I would love to travel the world in exploration of trying food from every culture.

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go AND why? Even if I could move anywhere in the world I would still want to stay in southeast Iowa. I would love to travel the world, however there is no better place to build a home and start your future.

Who has been your biggest influence AND why? My biggest influence is my papa. He was seen as a kind and accountable man that took leadership roles in many community programs and education driven organizations, all while maintaining a family farm and supporting a loving family. I hope to continue his legacy through living life as he had, always having a helping hand for my neighbors around me and staying involved in my community.